Bihar Polls: Mahagathbandhan to Finalise Seat-sharing in July Meeting
The Bihar Assembly election is expected to be held in October or November this year
Bihar elections: Local parties push for seats early
As Bihar Assembly elections approach, smaller regional parties are vying for seats within both the INDIA bloc and NDA, with leaders like Mukesh Sahni and Chirag Paswan asserting their demands. While INDIA agrees on a winnability-based formula, tensions arise with JMM.
Tej Pratap Seen In Video Inside Kashi Temple's Restricted 'Red Zone', Probe Ordered
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple administration has ordered an investigation after a video circulating on social media purportedly showing Lalu Prasad Yadav's son and former Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav inside the temple's restricted 'Red Zone'.
Over 12.36 lakh candidates clear NEET UG 2025 with 56% pass rate
NEW DELHI: A total of 12,36,531 candidates, the majority of them women, have cleared the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2025 Entrance Test. Rajasthans Mahesh Kumar has secured the All India Rank 1 with a percentile of 99.9999547. Those who cleared the exam account for 55.96% of the overall figure of 22,09,318 aspirants who appeared for the exam on May 4. This also marks a significant dip of 79,322 candidates over the figure that qualified for NEET 2024. The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Saturday made public the results of this qualifier for the MBBS and other allied undergraduate medical degrees (BAMS, BUMS, BSMG and BHMS) A total of 7,22,462 women and 5,14,063 men and six transgenders figure among the successful candidates. The exam was conducted in 13 languages in 552 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, including Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Muscat and Singapore. Topper Kumar is closely followed by Utkarsh Awadhiya of Madhya Pradesh (99.9999095) who bagged the second rank while Krishang Joshi of Maharashtra is ranked AIR 3 with a percentile of 99.9998189. National Capital Territory (NCT) Delhis Avika Aggarwal with a percentile of 99.9996832, who has secured a NEET rank of 5, is the topper among women candidates. The maximum candidates who are successful are from UP with 1,70,684. The other States that figure in the top five are Maharashtra 1,25,727, Rajasthan 1,19,865, Karnataka 83,582 and Bihar 90954. Delhi NCT has 14 individuals among the top 100 ranks while Rajasthan has 14, Maharashtra has 11, Karnataka and Telangana have 7, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have 6 while MP and UP have three rankholders each. Among those who sailed through the Entrance are 5,64,611 from the OBC category, 3,38,728 from the General, 1,68,873 from the SC, 67,234 from the ST and 97,085 from the economically weaker sections. Those who took the exam in English were the most successful with 18,22,410 candidates making the cut while the second successful set was those who took the exam in Hindi with 3,28,634 clearing it. A total of 606 Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) were successful in the NEET exam, while 405 NRIs and 529 foreign nationals made it.
Lalu Prasad faces backlash over viral video showing Ambedkar portrait near his feet in Bihar
PATNA: RJD chief Lalu Prasad was caught in the thick of controversy after a video allegedly showing him having a portrait of the Dalit icon Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar placed at his feet, went viral on social media on Saturday. In the video, Lalu is seen seated on a couch with his feet placed on a sofa nearby as a supporter enters the room carrying the portrait of Ambedkar, and places it close to former's feet before greeting him. Bihar deputy chief minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary also shared a video clip of the incident that happened when the former CM was celebrating his 78th birthday earlier this week. This is testimony to the fact that Lalu Prasad holds Dalits in contempt and has no respect for the greatest leader from the depressed classes. He can have even pictures of Gods placed at his feet, alleged Choudhary. Lalus old associates like Nitish Kumar and George Fernandes also left him due to his arrogance as voters from the weaker sections also got alienated from him due to the same reason, deputy chief minister added. Reacting sharply to Choudhary allegations, Lalus son younger and former deputy chief minister, Tejashwi Yadav said, Lalu Prasad Yadav has installed many statues of Baba Saheb Ambedkar in Bihar. We are the people who believe in Ambedkar's ideology. Lalu Yadav works for 10 hours at the age of 78 and meets people. These (BJP) people have nothing to do with Baba Saheb, the Constitution and reservation, he added. On the other hand, BJPs Dalit leader and minister Janak Ram asked that the entire family of Lalu Prasad should tender an apology for the incident as 14 crore people of Bihar were feeling ashamed of it. The leader (Lalu) cuts a cake with a sword which indicates that his party wants to bring back the use of muscle power in public life, he remarked. He claimed that people of Bihar were watching the RJD supremos action closely and they would give him a befitting reply at appropriate time.
NDA netas accuse Lalu of insulting Ambedkar
We now pray at night: Ahmedabad plane crash sparks fear among locals near airport
Challenges loom over Patna airport runway expansion
Complete drainage projects ahead of monsoon, says DM
DGP gives 1-month deadline to fix policing gaps in Patna
States Muskan, Suraj shine in NEET-UG
Khagaria DM inspects flood protection work
Like being pulled from deaths grip: Begusarai youth survives plane crash in hostel mess
Many districts of Bihar likely to receive light rainfall today: IMD
CM inaugurates bag production unit in Muz
Meeting resolves to expedite devpt projects in Madhubani
Summer camp brings joyful learning to children in state
Surge in police operations signals stronger measures against crime
IPSOWA camp stresses on early detection and regular health monitoring
Farmer found dead in Buxar village
PU admissions continue under strict document verification
1 dies, 3 injured in Saran clash
Mangani Lal Mandal poised to take charge as Bihar RJD chief
Veteran socialist leader files nomination unopposed; formal announcement on June 19
Mandal to become RJDs first EBC state president, elected unopposed in Lalu-Tejashwi presence
PATNA: Former minister and senior leader Mangani Lal Mandal filed his nomination for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) state presidents post on Saturday in the presence of party supremo Lalu Prasad, Opposition leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, and other senior leaders. Mandal, who belongs to the Extremely Backward Community (EBC), is set to be elected unopposed as no contender filed nomination papers against his candidature. Mandal will be the first EBC leader to be elected as state president, and the ninth state president since the formation of the RJD. A formal announcement about Mandal being elected as the state unit chief will be made at a meeting of the state executive committee of the party to be held on June 19. He will replace Jagadanand Singh, who was holding the post since November 2019, a senior RJD leader said. RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari said that it will only be a formality to announce the name of Mandal as the new chief of RJD. He has been elected unopposed, he said, adding that Mandal comes from a socialist background and had earlier served with former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur. Mandal, who hails from Phulparas in north Bihars Mithilanchal region, had earlier quit the Janata Dal (United) led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and joined the RJD. Ever since he snapped ties with JD(U), it was expected that he would file his nomination for the RJD state presidents post. Welcoming Mandals election as state president, RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav said that Mandal is a veteran politician who believes in the ideology of socialist icons like Ram Manohar Lohia, Jayaprakash Narayan, and Karpoori Thakur. Mandal served as a member of the state legislative assembly from 1986 to 2004 and was also a minister in the state cabinet. He was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Jhanjharpur Lok Sabha seat in Madhubani district in 2009 on a JD(U) ticket. #WATCH | Patna, Bihar | On Mangani Lal Mandal appointed as the new Bihar RJD President, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, He is an experienced politician... He raised the voices of the people... He has worked with our father for many years. He has played a big role in taking pic.twitter.com/BvO6CSYTqN ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2025 Though names of other senior RJD leaders, including Alok Kumar Mehta and Ranvijay Sahu, were also doing the rounds, Mandal was the frontrunner for the partys state president post for being an EBC and for his proximity to the RJDs first family. He is not only close to Lalu Ji but also to Tejashwi Yadav, an RJD leader claimed. Political analysts believe that the selection of Mandal as state president of the RJD assumes significance in the wake of the state assembly elections due in October-November this year. This is an attempt by the RJD to woo EBC voters, who constitute nearly 36 per cent of the states population, they said. EBCs are traditionally regarded as core voters of Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) for the past several decades. However, the Opposition RJD has attempted to eat into the JD(U)s vote bank by nominating Mandal as the state party chief. This sends a clear message to EBC voters, a senior RJD leader said. Mandal, a former MP, had lost his membership of the House in November 2011 on charges of concealing significant information in his affidavit. On February 1, 2012, the Patna High Court found him guilty in the case and ordered the cancellation of his membership. However, the Supreme Court restored his membership on February 8, 2012. Mandal had been accused of concealing information about his assets in his election affidavit. Before the 2014 Lok Sabha election, Mandal was expelled from JD(U) for issuing statements against the partys top leadership. Incumbent RJD state president Jagadanand stopped visiting the RJD office ever since his younger son Ajit Kumar Singh lost in a by-election on the Ramgarh seat in Kaimur district.
CUSB to start PG diploma in pharmacy from current session
Congress attacks Modi Govt for abstaining on Gaza ceasefire resolution in UN
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Saturday attacked the Centre for abstaining from voting during the UNGA resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza and alleged that India's foreign policy is in shambles. The opposition party also demanded answers from the government on whether India has abandoned its principled stand against war, against genocide, and for justice. It is now increasingly evident that our Foreign Policy is in shambles. Perhaps, PM Modi must now take a call on his EAM's repeated blunders and set some accountability, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said. In a post on X, he said that 149 countries voted for a UNGA resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza while India was only one of the 19 countries that abstained. We virtually stand isolated by this step, he added. Kharge further stated that the Congress had condemned the attacks by Hamas on the people of Israel on October 8 2023. We have consistently condemned the indiscriminate actions that included a siege of the Gaza Strip and bombings in it. 60,000 people have died and there is a widespread and horrific humanitarian crisis. Have we abandoned India's consistent stand advocating for a ceasefire, peace, and dialogue in the Middle East and West Asia? he asked. Kharge affirmed that this position is deeply rooted in India's long-standing tradition of non-alignment and moral diplomacy, through which the nation has always promoted justice and peace in global conflicts. Noting that on October 19 2023, the Congress called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, he said, India cannot stand by silently or passively while the region faces horrific violence, humanitarian catastrophe, and increasing instability. Echoing similar sentiments, AICC general secretary, organisation, KC Venugopal said India always stood for peace, justice, and human dignity. But today, India stands alone as the only country in South Asia, BRICS, and SCO to abstain on a UNGA resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. 60,000 killed. Most of them women and children. Thousands starving. International aid blocked. A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding, he said in a post on X, questioning if India has abandoned its principled stand against war and genocide. Venugopal called on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to explain what had changed in the last six months that led India from supporting a ceasefire to abstaining from the vote. Training guns on the Narendra Modi-led government, he accused the Centre of having little regard for Jawaharlal Nehru's legacy and questioned why it had abandoned Atal Bihari Vajpayee's principled stance on Palestine. Emphasising that India has long been a principled voice for ceasefire, peace, and dialogue in the Middle East, Venugopal reiterated that India has historically championed the cause of justice and humanitarian values in global conflicts. At a time when the region is witnessing unspeakable violence, humanitarian collapse, and growing instability, India cannot afford to remain silent or passive, the Congress leader noted. Similarly, Congress MP from Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed her disappointment at India's stance at the UN. This is a tragic reversal of our anti-colonial legacy. In fact, not only are we standing silent as Mr Netanyahu annihilates an entire nation, we are cheering on as his government attacks Iran and assassinates its leadership in flagrant violation of its sovereignty and complete contravention of all international norms, she said in a post on X. How can we, as a nation, just abandon the principles of our constitution, and the values of our freedom struggle that led the way for an international arena based on peace and humanity? she asked. Noting that there is no justification for this, she added that true global leadership demands the courage to defend justice, and India has shown this courage unfailingly in the past. In a world that is increasingly divisive, we must reclaim our voice for humanity and stand fearlessly for truth and non-violence, Vadra asserted. AICC media department head Pawan Khera also said that India's UN abstention on the Gaza ceasefire comes as an act of staggering moral cowardice - a shameful betrayal of our anti-colonial legacy and the values of our own freedom struggle. He recalled how India once stood tall for Palestine and became the first non-Arab state to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1974, inviting Yasser Arafat to attend the 7th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit held in New Delhi in 1983 and formally recognised Palestinian statehood in 1988. We stood for justice not as strategy, but as principle. But today, that proud legacy lies in ruins, he said. The abstention is also a craven U-turn from India's December 2024 vote in the favour of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, proving that the Modi government remembers nothing, stands for nothing, and chases only photo-ops even if they involve blood-soaked handshakes, Khera added. As Israel sets West Asia ablaze - bombing Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and now Iran - Modi's complicity has abandoned India's conscience. The world does not listen to the nation that speaks loudest, it listens to a nation that speaks with clarity, courage and conscience. And India must never surrender that voice, his post on X read. The 193-member UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to adopt the resolution introduced by Spain that demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire. India was among the 19 nations that abstained, while 12 countries voted against the resolution, which got 149 votes in favour. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said that the resolution comes against the backdrop of the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The CRS has also recommended that proper mechanisms should be available with the Railways for the identification of fatigue cracks developed in rails
Bihar: Prashant Kishor Claims 60% Seek Jan Suraaj For Education, Jobs
We have been saying this for the last two years that the environment is changing... This time, history will be written in Bihar. For the last two years, we have been travelling around the village and saying that more than 60% of the people in Bihar want change, says Kishor
Bihar: BJP charges Lalu with insulting Babasaheb Ambedkar
Patna: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday charged RJD president Lalu Prasad with having insulted Babasaheb Ambedkar by having a portrait of the Dalit icon placed at his feet. Addressing a press conference, Choudhary, who is a former state president of the BJP, also played a video clip of the incident that took Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
MGCUB Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online for 02 First Finance Officer, Controller of Examinations Posts
The Mahatma Gandhi Central University Bihar (MGCUB) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 02 First Finance Officer, Controller of Examinations posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official MGCUB website. The last date to submit the application form is 14-07-2025.
Bihar bridge and a game of nuts and bolts: Kids caught unscrewing Patna bridge - video goes viral
A disturbing video circulating online depicts children dismantling a bridge in Patna, Bihar, by removing nuts and bolts, creating a significant safety risk. This incident has sparked concerns about the quality of construction materials used in Bihar's infrastructure. The incident follows a series of bridge collapses in the state last year, highlighting potential issues with construction practices and oversight.
Lemon prices crash, worried Nellore farmers and traders seek government intervention
NELLORE: Lemon prices have declined sharply over the past week, leaving farmers and traders in distress. Lemon is now being sold at just Rs 20 to Rs 30 per kg, marking a steep fall in prices. During the peak season, as many as 20 truckloads of lemons used to be exported daily to northern states, bringing bustling activity to the local markets. However, the once-thriving trade is now facing a dramatic slump. In Nellore district alone, lemon crop is cultivated in over 17,000 hectares. Podalakur lemon market yard, known for its high quality produce, supplies lemon to both national and international markets. Gudur lemon market also plays a key role in large scale exports. Traders are now expressing concern over the sudden market collapse. With exports coming to a halt, they are still compelled to purchase the incoming produce from farmers, despite the lack of demand. Even though there are no buyers in the export market, we have to continue procuring lemon from farmers, said a local trader, reflecting the growing anxiety in the lemon business community. The unexpected downturn is affecting not only the income of lemon growers but also the sustainability of the supply chain. Stakeholders are urging authorities to intervene and explore avenues to revive the export market or provide relief measures to stabilise prices. Traditionally, lemon is exported in large volumes from Andhra Pradesh, especially from major markets like Podalakur, Gudur, Eluru and Tenali, along with dozens of small yards. However, lemon cultivation has expanded significantly in other States like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Bihar this year, resulting in higher yield and overproduction. Combined with a bumper harvest from local orchards in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, a massive supply of lemon is now flooding the markets. According to sources, wholesale buyers from cities such as Delhi, Mathura, Roorkee, Varanasi, Gokalpur, Chennai, Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram have issued advisories not to send any more lemon consignments, citing excess stock. Some are even rejecting the lemon consignments already sent to them, leaving local traders in a bind. As a result, prices have plummeted, but traders are unable to refuse lemon produce brought in by farmers. This has led to lemon being stockpiled across market yards, with no immediate buyers in sight. We are in a terrible situation. Truckloads of lemons are arriving at the market. We cant turn farmers away during such a difficult time, but there is little hope for price recovery. The crisis is real. Only if exports pick up again can we survive this phase, said BK Reddy, a trader at Podalakur lemon market yard. With no signs of relief from the ongoing supply, and stagnating demand, both farmers and traders are now urging the government to intervene with support mechanism or facilitate export channels to stabilise the market.
UP Police busts racket smuggling liquor into Bihar in milk tanker
Mau (UP): Two people were arrested for using a milk tanker with a concealed compartment to illegally transport alcohol from Uttar Pradesh to Bihar, a dry state, police said. Mau police intercepted the consignment, worth more than Rs 10 lakh, on Friday near the Gorakhpur-Varanasi highway during a special checking drive, they said. Inside what appeared to be an ordinary milk tanker, police found 173 cartons of country-made liquor and eight cartons of whisky pouches, officials said. Mau in eastern Uttar Pradesh is located close to Bihar, where assembly polls are due later this year. Speaking at a press conference, SP Elamaran G said, This is a major breakthrough for the Mau police. The liquor was hidden inside a modified compartment in a milk tanker. Our FSO team and Kotwali police acted swiftly on a tip-off and seized liquor worth more than Rs 10 lakh near Harua. She added that the liquor was picked up from Ghazipur and was being smuggled into Bihar, a state where alcohol is prohibited. When we scanned the barcodes on the pouches, we traced the origin to shops in Ghazipur, the SP said. From the outside, the tanker looked like it was carrying milk or other dairy items, but the internal structure had a hidden chamber designed to transport liquor. Two men from Bihar's Buxar district, who were accompanying the consignment, were arrested on the spot. The vehicle's driver managed to flee and is currently being traced, police said.
INTERVIEW | A New Odisha is taking shape: Mohan Charan Majhi
As the BJP govt completes one year in office, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi talks about his accomplishments and challenges along with the roadmap for Odishas growth and development in the coming years, in an interview with Siba Mohanty & SN Agragami . Your government has completed one year in office with a slogan, Barsa Ek, Uplapdhi Anek. What is the biggest upalabdhi (achievement) of your government in the last 12 months ? June 12 was a historic day in the political history of Odisha. People changed the government of 24 years and gave us a mandate to take Odisha in the path of development in all fields. Out of the 21 promises made by us, our government has fulfilled 11 promises, which is more than half. The results are for all to see. Let me give you one example. In Subhadra Yojana, we had promised to give a voucher of Rs 50,000 to women and have already provided Rs 10,000 to nearly 1 crore women in two half-yearly installments. This is not a cash dole to create vote-bank. Our aim is women empowerment. We have got ground reports, and you will be pleasantly surprised that 90 per cent of beneficiaries have utilised the money in a gainful manner. On the path of fulfilling the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have increased the number of Lakhpati Didis from just three lakh to 16.6 lakh in one year and achieved the first position in the country. The prime minister himself has praised the achievement of Odisha in the NITI Aayog meeting. Our second priority was the farmer. Within one hour of taking oath, in the first cabinet meeting we approved input assistance of Rs 800 per quintal over and above the MSP, which has already reached 17 lakh farmers. For the youth, we have provided 28,000 jobs. Nearly 30,000 youths have also got jobs in private sector. The previous government had organised three Make-in-Odisha conclaves. But in only one Utkarsh Odisha conclave organised by our government on January 28 and 29, we generated more proposals and signed more MoUs than all the previous three combined. We received proposals of Rs 17 lakh crore, signed MoUs of Rs 13 lakh crore with employment opportunities for 13 lakh youths of the state. The government has gained the confidence of people by doing all this work. We are committed to take Odisha to greater heights economically, socially and politically. We have fulfilled many promises during the year, which is why the slogan Barsha Ek, Upalabdhi Anek. A New Odisha is taking shape. You claim proposals worth Rs 17 lakh crore and MoUs worth Rs 13 lakh crore were signed at Utkarsh Odisha. Many MoUs were signed earlier too, but few materialised. How is your government ensuring actual project grounding, not just MoU signing? You can yourself see the difference. In just four months, we have already conducted groundbreaking of projects worth Rs 1,78,000 crore, opening possibilities of giving jobs to 1.1 lakh youths. We ensured establishment of a Rs 2,700 crore technical ammonium nitrate (TAN) plant at Gopalpur in just 10 months. This is the largest and first-of-its-kind project in India where all machinery were brought from Singapore. Besides, all big companies like Tata, JSW, JSPL and IOCL are either expanding or bringing new investment to Odisha. The downstream sector is also coming up in a big way. Each and every district is being covered. Many felt your lack of experience in administration would be a hurdle. Besides, your cabinet is mostly made up of first-time ministers. How challenging has it been to function as chief minister and lead the government? I was never an outsider. I was deputy chief whip when there was alliance government in the state. At times, I had to face the ire of the government specially when asking questions about mining areas of Keonjhar which is my home district. Then Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had once called and pulled me up for raising such questions. But I had not stopped as I was in search of truth. I have been three-time MLA, Opposition chief whip and chairman of many committees. The success of the government in one year under my chief ministership has proved my capability. It is correct that many first-time MLAs became ministers. Further, as the entire administration had worked under another government for 24 years, to make it attuned to the new dispensation was very challenging. I had to hold many meetings with the ministers. They were given responsibilities as prabharis of districts and associated with different problems. By doing this, they gained experience and at the end of one year became capable of running their ministries. We have succeeded in a collective manner. With BJP coming to power, there were expectations that it will demolish the bureaucratic control. One year on, the general perception is, nothing has changed. Absolutely not. My cabinet doesnt sign pre-decided proposals. It doesnt end in minutes. We make extensive discussions on proposals, then take a decision. The bureaucrats were running the government earlier. To bring them out of that mindset, a shake-up was necessitated. Many left on central deputation. Bureaucrats who were ignored and sidelined in the previous dispensation and wanted to work were given responsibilities. We interacted with officers who were good performers but were loyal to previous government. Gradually, they also changed and realised that a bureaucrat has to work under any government. Besides, this was linked to their CCRs. They are now performing well and have a big role in achieving our target of giving good governance. Implementation of Subhadra scheme was not an easy job. We could do so because of cooperation from the officers. After becoming the chief minister, you seem to have made it a priority to keep close contact with the people. You have revived the CMs public grievance cell, are visiting districts almost every other day. Is it a brand building exercise? The big objective was to completely eradicate the distance between the Third Floor (CMO) and people. Under the previous government, the Third Floor was turned into a fortress with no one having access, forget the common man. Nobody could enter it. No minister, MP or MLA could meet the chief minister. I have become chief minister from the grassroots. I decided to eradicate this distance and meet common people. Let me tell you one experience. One day a beggar came with an application. Security people did not allow him inside. But he persisted. At last, he sat under a tree and did not leave. I received the information and immediately met him. I came to know that he is from Puri and has become a beggar because of some problems. He gave me his application. I talked to collector Puri about his problems which are now being resolved. These things increase peoples confidence on the administration/government. In this way, ordinary people have come to believe that it is a peoples government headed by a peoples chief minister. This is very important in a democracy. If I dont meet people, I will never want to solve their problems. The previous government focused on a surplus budget and strict FRBM compliance. Youre shifting towards higher spending for schemes like Subhadra. How will you manage this? FRBM Act is for every state and even the Centre. There is a system governed by the RBI and NITI Aayog. If we do not follow that system and incur more loans, the state will become bankrupt. These are alerts. Odisha has been a budget surplus state. To continue this will definitely be a challenge going forward. We want to focus on robust infrastructure. Odishas capital expenditure is 6.2 percent of the GSDP which is highest in the country. This is possible in Odisha only. Despite playing a key role in ensuring BJP government and PM Modis third term at the Centre, Odisha seems to have been neglected in the Union Budget while states like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh took the cake. Not true. Odisha has been given priority in the Budget. There is a very good coordination between Centre and the state government, else the prime minister would not have visited Odisha seven times in the past year. Odishas rail and road sectors have received Rs 1 lakh crore from the Centre. We are constantly in touch with the Centre for projects and funds are not a constraint. Our proposal to set up a branch of the National Forensic Science University in Odisha was approved within 15 days. This is a Rs 300 crore project. Similarly, many projects have been approved for Odisha basing on my letters. This cannot happen if Centre is ignoring Odisha. All the central ministers are giving focus to the state. Our government is taking up a massive initiative of reviving sugar industry in the state. We discussed this with the Union Home and Cooperation minister Amit Shah today and there are now proposals to reopen sugar mills in Badamba, Bolangir and other places. You talk of Viksit Odisha by 2036 to propel Vikist Bharat by 2047 under a double-engine government. The neighbouring states like Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh also have double-engine governments. But major disputes like Mahanadi river water, Polavaram project and Kotia border dispute remain unresolved. We are proceeding on various fronts to resolve the issues. The Mahanadi river water dispute with Chhattisgarh will be resolved through talks. We are going to formally begin talks with the Chhattisgarh chief minister in this regard. I am confident on this issue. Polavaram, though, is sub-judice. We are firmly putting forth our stance in the court. Not only Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Telangana are involved in this. This is a case of four states. But we are sticking to our stand. One year has been completed. There are many vacancies in your cabinet. Is an expansion or reshuffle on the cards? BJP is a national party and the biggest political party in the country. This will be done after discussion with our top leadership. This will be done at the right time. What are your biggest priorities for the next year? Is the government planning new initiatives and bold reforms? Priorities have been decided early. Along with all the empowerment programmes, our focus is on creating infrastructure, fast-pacing industry and job creation. That will lead us to Samruddha Odisha. We will undertake necessary reforms to support this.
Crash site in citys Gardanibagh still echoes with past
British-era clock tower near city airport poses flight safety risk
Tender scam: ED conducts fresh searches in 3 states
ED raids nine locations linked to Bihar contractor Rishu Shree in money laundering case
PATNA: Tightening the noose around a Bihars leading contractor Rishu Ranjan Sinha alias Rishu Shree in connection with a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case, Enforcement Directorate(ED), on Friday conducted fresh search operations at his nine locations across the country. Search operations were conducted across Patna, Muzaffarpur, Surat and Panipat under the provisions of PMLA. During the search operations, several incriminating evidence and documents were seized. Sources said that the search operation started on Thursday evening and concluded on Friday. ED launched the investigation on the basis of FIR registered by Special Vigilance Unit (SVU), Bihar against Rishu Shree and others. Rishu Shrees firms work as contractors/sub-contractors in various state governments departments, such as water resources, health, public health engineering, urban development, Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO), education, building and construction, and rural works department. Rishu Shree allegedly got government tenders rewarded in his favour with the complicity of various government officials. The raids were connected at thepremises of his associates and travel agents connected to Rishu Shree. In March this year, ED seized Rs 11.64 crore in cash during searches at multiple locations linked to senior officials of the Bihar government on Thursday, officials said on Friday. The raids were conducted following fresh evidence in a money laundering case against 1997-batch IAS officer Sanjeev Hans, who is currently lodged in Beur Central Jail in Patna. Officials said searches were carried out at seven locations in Patna, including the residence of Bihar Building Construction Department chief engineer Tarini Das. Raids were also conducted at the premises of Mumukshu Chaudhary, joint secretary in the finance department, and Umesh Kumar Singh, executive engineer in the urban development and housing department, among others. A case was registered against suspended IAS officer Sanjeev Hans and Rishu Shree, by the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) on April 30. A copy of the FIR was submitted to the court on Friday. ED's probe revealed that Rishu Shree acted as a middleman in transactions between government officials and contractors, while also facilitating financial dealings between companies on behalf of Sanjeev Hans. Sanjeev Hans is currently lodged in the Beur central jail. Rishu Shree, a government contractor has floated numerous firms, serving as a mediator in deals between officials and contractors in various projects. Later, he took sub-contracting roles in th same projects.
17-yr-old shot dead over petty row in city
Criminal injured in bid to escape police custody in Muzaffarpur
Dalit hostel row: Samrat slams Rahul over baseless charges
Despite scorching heat, summer appliance sales fall
PATNA: A day after constituents of Opposition INDIA bloc held a meeting to discuss strategy and seat sharing formula for the upcoming Bihar assembly election, Bihar chief minister and JD (U) supremo Nitish Kumar on Friday held a meeting with his senior party colleagues. JD (U) working national president Sanjay Jha, senior party leaders and ministers Vijay Chaudhary and Ashok Choudhary held a brainstorming session with Nitish at the latters official residence and discussed issues like seats where the party would like to stake claim. Nitish took complete information about the seats and also discussed how seats should be distributed among allies of the NDA including JD (U) and BJP. HAM of former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, RLMs Upendra Kushwaha and LJP(RV) of Chirag Paswan are other allies of NDA were also present. Apart from this, various roles of senior leaders were also discussed so that more edge can be given to the campaign for the election. In the election, RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav is emerging as a young face, while on the other hand, Nitish is preparing to enter the fray by putting forward his experience and image of an able administrator. In the last assembly election, NDA crossed the majority mark in Bihar with the BJP bagging 74 seats and JD (U) securing 43 seats. The opposition Mahagathbandhan or grand alliance comprising RJD, Congress and Left parties could secure 110 seats, 12 short of the majority mark. RJD bagged 75 seats while its allies Congress and left parties secured 19 and 16 seats respectively. On Thursday, INDIA blocs coordination committee headed by Tejashwi Yadav held a meeting to discuss election strategy and better coordination among its allies. Apart from RJD and Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPM and VIP are constituents of INDIA bloc. VIP chief and former state minister Mukesh Sahani said that there was no confusion about CM face of Opposition camp. It will be made clear at the appropriate time, he asserted. On the other hand, Congress has convened a meeting of its legislature party on June 15 to discuss issues related to coming assembly elections. Bihar president Rajesh Kumar asked all MLAs and MLCs of Congress to be present at the meeting. The meeting assumed significance in the wake of INDIA blocs coordination committees chief Tejashwi Yadavs suggestions to submit a detailed list of constituencies that each ally wanted to contest in assembly polls.
Cong legislators meeting on June 15 to discuss seats
Fish boom: Local entrepreneurs thrive as output triples in state
Ideas Yatra to identify 1L startup concepts across state
Body of youth found in bushes in Aurangabad
Tej denies forming new party, says RJD is in his prayers
NDA will break 2010 record in upcoming polls: Minister
Master plan for Integrated Manufacturing City in Gaya Ji approved
CM transfers Rs271cr to 62L welfare scheme beneficiaries
Common service centre for students at Mithapur soon
Use latest technology to hold online counselling classes
Oppn slams Giriraj for calling Congress a party of traitors
UP CPTET admit card 2025 released: Direct link to download hall tickets here
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University (ABVMU), Uttar Pradesh, has released the UP CPET Admit Card 2025 on June 13. Registered candidates for various Allied Health Science courses can now download their hall tickets from abvmuup.edu.in. The offline exam is scheduled for June 18, with strict reporting protocols and a single shift from 11 am to 1:20 pm.
'Destiny willed otherwise': Grieving family of Air India air hostess Manisha Thapa in Patna
PATNA: A pall of gloom has descended on the house of Manisha Thapa, a crew member of Air India flight AI-171 that crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Manishas family resides near Shyama Apartment at Jagdeo Path, barely 500 metres from the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP) battalion headquarters, in the state capital. Manishas two uncles -- Guddu Bahadur Thapa and Babloo Thapa -- both havildars in the BSAP, said that they received information about the tragic incident from her friend over phone around 2 pm. The family members have already left for Ahmedabad after receiving information about the tragedy that struck the family, they said. Both Guddu and Babloo are currently posted as havildars at BSAP battalion headquarters in the state capital. Manishas father Raju Thapa is a member of BSAP and currently posted in Bihars Begusarai district while her mother, Laxmi Thapa, is a housewife. Manishas younger brother Amit Thapa is pursuing graduation from a Patna-based college. Manishas mothers condition worsened after receiving the shocking news. She is under supervision of a doctor ever since she came to know about the incident, said a family member, who was sitting beside Laxmi to console her. Two cabin crew members from Manipur among victims of Ahmedabad Air India crash Guddu Thapa said Manisha was good at studies from the very beginning. After her graduation from St. Xaviers College, Patna, she joined IndiGo Airlines as an air hostess in Patna before switching over to Air India. Its hard to believe that she is no more, Guddu said with tears rolling down her cheeks. Though the Thapas originally hail from Biratnagar in Nepal, they settled in Patna after two of them were inducted in BSAP No.1, which has its headquarters in Patna. Manisha was born in Patna, she completed her education from here and also got a good job but destiny had willed otherwise, remarked Guddu Thapa. Manishas neighbours also shared their good memories with her, saying that she was very meek and mild. Though Thapas are known for their exemplary courage, she was very humble and used to meet people with a smile on her face. That made her different from others, said a neighbour Babita Sinha. Bihar govt releases helpline: The Bihar government has started a helpline number, appealing to people to provide information about any victim of the Ahmedabad plane clash hailing from the state. In a statement, the Disaster Management Department (DMD) said that if anyone comes to know about victims of the plane crash hailing from Bihar can share information on helplines, 0612-2294204, 0612-2294205 and 1070. The DMD will provide all assistance to the victim, if any, hailing from the state, in that case, it said.
Business Wire India Industry Minister, Bihar, Nitish Mishra with YourStory Founder & CEO Shradha Sharma at the launch of the Bihar chapter of The Bharat Project during the Bihar Idea Festival in Patna. In a bold step toward transforming Bihars entrepreneurial landscape, the Department of Industries, Bihar , in collaboration with the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) and YourStory Media , has launched the Bihar Chapter of The Bharat Project a statewide movement to discover, nurture, and scale 10,000 new startups across the states 38 districts. The initiative, titled Bihar Idea Festival , was formally unveiled at a joint press conference held at B-HUB , the states flagship innovation hub located at Maurya Lok Complex in Patna. The launch event was addressed by key dignitaries including: Shri Nitish Mishra , Honble Minister, Department of Industries, Government of Bihar Ms. Shradha Sharma , Founder & CEO, YourStory and The Bharat Project Dr. Rana Singh , Director, Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) Shri Kumod Kumar , CEO, CIMP-BIIF & President, TiE Patna A First-of-its-Kind Collaboration for Grassroots Innovation This landmark collaboration brings together government policy support , academic and incubation expertise , and nationwide storytelling and digital scale , creating a unique, structured platform to support emerging entrepreneurs from every corner of the state. The goal is clear: to democratize access to startup support, foster rural and semi-urban innovation, and turn bold, homegrown ideas into sustainable, job-creating businesses. Why Bihar. Why Now. Bihar is home to a massive untapped reservoir of entrepreneurial energyfrom student innovators and women-led SHGs to traditional artisans, small farmers, and first-generation founders. Despite its potential, much of this talent remains disconnected from structured guidance, funding, or visibility. Bihar Idea Festival aims to bridge this gap by building one of Indias most inclusive state-led startup ecosystems. Key Launches from the Press Conference: 1. Creation and Support for 10,000 Startups from Bihar A statewide mission to incubate and scale new ventures across urban, rural, and semi-urban clusters by providing strategic mentorship, digital tools, and exposure. 2. 38-District Startup Discovery Bus Yatra A one-of-a-kind on-ground campaign that will travel across all 38 districts to identify over 1,00,000 raw ideas directly from students, artisans, women entrepreneurs, and microbusinesses. This effort will be driven by college E-Cells, District Industries Centres (DICs), KVIC, MSME offices, and local enabler networks. 3. Onboarding of Shradha Sharma as Mentor at CIMP Ms. Shradha Sharma, a trailblazer in Indias entrepreneurial storytelling, has been officially onboarded as a Mentor at CIMP . She will play an active role in supporting Bihars entrepreneurs through storytelling, visibility, and mentorship for emerging founders. 4. Launch of the Bihar Idea Festival A flagship entrepreneurship festival to celebrate Bihars startup strength and provide a platform for founders to pitch, network, and showcase innovations to investors and ecosystem leaders. 5. Spotlight on 50 Most Promising Startups from Bihar YourStory will curate and amplify the journeys of 50 high-potential startups through national digital coverage, investor connects, and partnership opportunitiesplacing Bihars innovators on the startup map of India. Voices from the Launch: Honble Minister Shri Nitish Mishra emphasized,The Department of Industries is fully committed to promoting entrepreneurship in Bihar. The state's schemes are delivering tangible benefits to startups. This special initiative led by YourStory Media, in collaboration with CIMP, CIMP-BIIF Institute, TiE Patna, and the Department of Industries, is truly commendable. It is a pledge - an opening chapter in the story of a New Bihar. This effort continues the same spirit we initiated with the launch of the Bihar Innovation Forum back in 2013. Shradha Sharma , Founder & CEO, YourStory and The Bharat Project, stated: The Bihar Idea Festival marks the beginning of a revolution in Bihar. We will travel across all 38 districts to show people how to build businesses and generate income. This special initiative is being executed in partnership with CIMP, CIMP-BIIF Institute, TiE Patna, and the Department of Industries. Over the next 30 to 45 days, we aim to collect 10,000 startup ideas. Selected startups from this pool will receive funding support to scale their ventures and create employment opportunities. I especially want women from across the state to participate actively, so we can advance the cause of womens empowerment in Bihar. Dr. Rana Singh , Director, CIMP, added: The startup ideas were receiving are commendable - but we need to aim even higher. Shri Kumod Kumar , CEO, CIMP-BIIF & President, TiE Patna commented:This initiative is truly a revolution for the youth and entrepreneurs of the state. The startup ideas gathered from all districts will script a new chapter of innovation in Bihar. It will not only create employment opportunities for the youth but also improve their livelihoods. Additionally, it will bring about a significant transformation in Bihar's economic landscape. About The Bharat Project The Bharat Project initiative is designed to democratize entrepreneurship by making essential resources accessible to every aspiring founder, regardless of their background or location. Its a nation-first mission by YourStory, focused on building the largest support ecosystem for aspiring entrepreneurs from non-metro India. Through storytelling, education, and digital-first platforms, it aims to help Bharats builders start, scale, and succeed. About Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) CIMP is Bihars premier public management institution, known for its academic excellence and strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and social leadership. Through its incubation arm BIIF, CIMP actively supports early-stage ventures and student-led startups across the region. About YourStory YourStory is Indias largest platform for entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers. Since its inception in 2008, it has published over 200,000 startup stories , reached 150M+ users , and shaped the narrative of Indias startup economy. It is recognized as a leading ecosystem builder, offering visibility, credibility, and access to early-stage and growth-stage entrepreneurs across sectors. It has been recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, global institutions, and millions of founders for its role in shaping Indias startup movement.
BPSC Assistant Engineer AE Exam Schedule for 2025 Announced
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has announced the exam dates for the Assistant Engineer (AE) positions for 2025. Candidates can expect the written examination to take place on July 17, 18, and 19, 2025. The recruitment drive includes 1040 vacancies across various engineering disciplines. Interested applicants had the opportunity to submit their applications from April 28 to May 28, 2025. The admit cards are now available for download. This article provides essential details regarding application fees, age limits, and educational qualifications required for the positions. Stay updated with the latest information on the BPSC Assistant Engineer AE recruitment process.
Bihar launches ambitious initiative to support 10,000 startups from the state
Startup Bihar Kraanti was formally launched in Patna, in collaboration with the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna and YourStory Media. This marks the Bihar Chapter of The Bharat Project, a YourStory mission to democratise entrepreneurship.
The Bihar government has launched a helpline. It aims to gather information about residents of Bihar who were victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash. The Air India plane crashed shortly after takeoff. The Disaster Management Department urges people to share information. They can call 0612-2294204, 0612-2294205, or 1070. The DMD will provide assistance to victims from Bihar.
The Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL) will release the Admit Card for the GTO, Correspondence Clerk, and Store Assistant Exam 2025, and candidates appearing for the examination scheduled from 16-06-2025 to 30-06-2025 can now download their hall ticket from the official website bsphcl.co.in, with the exam being conducted at various centres across the state of Bihar.
UP CPET Admit Card 2025 Out Download Online @ abvmucet25.co.in Check UP CPET Exam Date
UP CPET Admit Card 2025 - CPET Admit Card 2025 released on 12-06-2025 by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University (ABVMU) Authority and all the registered students who had submitted their ABVMU UP CPET Application Forms successfully will receive their Admit Card/Hall Ticket which can be downloaded from the official website. The UP CPET Admit Card 2025 is an important document to be brought by the candidate when appearing for the Examination. For more details and information related to the UP CPET Admit Card 2025, read this article.
Kushwaha may be inducted into Modi Cabinet
PATNA: With the Assembly polls fast approaching in Bihar, speculation is rife that Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha may be inducted into PM Narendra Modis Cabinet during the next round of expansion. The move is reportedly aimed at wooing voters belonging to the Kushwaha community, who account for a sizeable chunk of the population in Shahabad. The region, which comprises Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas and Kaimur districts, has long been a stronghold of the INDI alliance. The BJP-led NDAs poor showing in the region in the 2020 Assembly polls as well as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections may have prompted the step.
Woman on scooter drops child at wrong school, drives parents into panic in Chennai
CHENNAI: Her intentions were genuine, but Murphys Law kicked in, snowballing into something unexpected. Thats what happened to the woman who offered a ride on her two-wheeler to a Class 1 child walking to school. Blame it on the communication gap, the woman dropped the 7-year-old daughter of migrant workers from Bihar at a school in Thandalam, instead of the one near Irandam Kattalai at Kundrathur. After a police complaint and a few tensed hours, the police traced the girl and handed her back to her parents. When the girl didnt return home after school as usual, the worried parents, employed at a private factory, checked with the school and got the shock of their life when they learned the girl had not reached the school. The Kundrathur police that launched a search following a complaint analysed the CCTV footage and found the woman picking up the child, walking to school carrying her backpack on her shoulder. When the police zeroed in on the woman with the help of the vehicles registration number, she told the police that she had offered to drop the child at her school as she was walking alone along the road. The police also quoted the woman as saying that the two were not able to communicate properly as the girl could speak only in Hindi. She dropped the child at the nearby Thandalam school, as she thought the child was studying there, they said. Later in the evening, the police found the girl safe at the school principals office and was reunited with her parents.
Patna unveils Bihars first double-decker flyover
In a significant boost to urban infrastructure, Patna has unveiled its first double-decker flyover. Constructed at a cost of 422 crore, the new structure aims to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity across the city. The post Patna unveils Bihars first double-decker flyover appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .
Ahmedabad plane crash revives old wounds in Patna
CM unveils statue of Acharya Kishore Kunal at Mahavir Cancer Sansthan
One held in priest murder case
Madhubani residents block road over power cuts
Awareness drive organised in Buxar
DM reviews flood preparedness in Madhubani
Tejashwi Yadav to hold one-on-one meeting with coalition leaders ahead of Bihar assembly elections
PATNA: Leader of Opposition INDIA blocs coordination committee Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, will hold a one-to-one meeting with top leaders of six coalition partners to sort out the contentious issue of seat-distribution for the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar. The seat-sharing talks among constituents of the opposition INDIA bloc will be held in the next round of the meeting of the coordination committee. The date of the fifth round of meeting of coordination committee of the Opposition will be announced later. RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, who chaired the fourth round of meeting of the INDIA bloc in Patna on Thursday, later told media persons that everything was discussed in detail and each committee has been given a specific task for the coming assembly elections. He revealed that issues like a common election manifesto, integrated election campaign and better coordination among workers at grassroots level were discussed at length at the coordination committee held on Thursday. Our focus is to oust ruling coalition. People want a change, and we will fight together to fulfil the dream of people of Bihar. Other things are irrelevant now, he said in response to a media query. Sources said that leaders of all the six coalition partners were asked to provide names of constituencies they wanted to contest in the coming elections to the coordination committee before its fifth round of meeting. Tejashwi, who heads the coordination committee, will hold one-to-one meetings with senior leaders of political parties based on the list of the constituencies they wanted to contest. Tejashwis endeavour is seen as a significant step towards allotment of seats to allies. The demand of more number of seats by CPI-ML and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) led by Mukesh Sahani has unnerved the RJD leader. While CPI-ML has expressed its willingness to contest 40-45 seats, VIP has claimed that it has started preparations for 60 seats. Congress, a major ally of the INDIA bloc, has already declared that it would not compromise with the seats it contested in the 2020 assembly elections. Congress had contest on 70 seats in 2020 assembly election in which it could register its win on 19 seats. Mukesh Sahanis VIP was not a part of the INDIA bloc in the previous assembly election and had contested along with the BJP-led NDA. The VIPs demand for 60 seats doesnt seem feasible as it had won only four seats in the 2020 assembly election, said a senior RJD leader. On the declaration of the CM face of the Opposition, Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram said that it would be decided at an appropriate time. INDIA bloc is intact, and everything will be finalised at appropriate time, he asserted. RJD MP Manoj Jha, who was present at the meeting, said that there was no confusion about CMs face of the Opposition. Its known to everybody, he added. RJD never missed any opportunity to project Tejashwi Prasad Yadav as chief ministerial candidate of the party.
3 held as woman constable dies in hit-and-run case
Bihar polls: INDIA bloc says it will expose failures of Nitish Kumars govt.
Bihar Janata Dal (United) president Umesh Singh Kushwaha hits back saying that the so-called unity of the alliance is based on the weak foundations of selfishness and opportunism
JPU temporarily affiliates colleges for honours courses
Mother-son duo among 3 drug peddlers held
UG admissions at PPU from June 13
Police vehicle runs over 2 girls in Muz, 1 dies
Key city grids fail as mercury soars
State renews pledge to end child labour
INDIA bloc rallies behind Tejashwi to change Bihar
Assembly polls: LJP (RV) gears up for all 243 seats
After announcing to contest assembly polls, Chirag party says it is preparing for 243 seats
Bihar Congress holds protest in Patna over rising unemployment
Bihar Congress holds protest in Patna over rising unemployment Patna: The Bihar Congress unit have organised a protest march in Patna on Thursday, raising concerns over the growing unemployment in the state. The protest march, which began at the Income Tax Golambar and culminated at the Employment Office, was led by Bihar Congress President [] The post Bihar Congress holds protest in Patna over rising unemployment appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Central team reviews health services in Saran
CSBC to conduct six-phase written examination for 19,838 constable posts in Bihar from July 16
Over 16.7 lakh valid applications received; examination to be held across all 38 districts amid stringent security and surveillance
LUCKNOW: As the survey of residences and shops in the 22 Kunj Galis (narrow lanes) leading to the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan continues, 30 per cent of it already completed, the Mathura district administration has prepared an elaborate plan to rehabilitate the sevayats , the Goswamis, who have been openly opposing the Banke Bihari Corridor project. The plan includes relocating the sevayats to Rukmani Vihar in Vrindavan. The Goswami community, comprising hereditary priests, has been performing religious and priestly duties at the Banke Bihari temple for centuries. The Supreme Court recently gave the green light to the Banke Bihari Corridor, an ambitious initiative aimed at easing crowd congestion and enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience around the revered shrine. Following this, the state government brought in an ordinance to create a Trust to run the temple and oversee the development of the proposed corridor. After a visit by Awanish Kumar Awasthi, the special advisor to the Chief Minister, to Vrindavan on June 6, the project gained momentum. The Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) is working on a two-pronged strategy: first, conducting a survey of Kunj Galis comprising 286 houses and shops, and second, accelerating the rehabilitation of residents from 188 houses to new luxury flats at Rukmani Vihar and Sunrakh Bangar. The administration hopes that offering better accommodation will help pacify the sevayats . According to Mathura District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh, the development of the Banke Bihari Corridor, intended to improve facilities for the lakhs of devotees visiting the temple, is being expedited. He stated that physical verification is underway for 5.5 acres of land required for the corridor, alongside planning schemes to rehabilitate those displaced by the project. The DM added that landowners affected by the corridor will be resettled in Rukmani Vihar and Sunrakh Bangar. The land for the residential project has been identified, and the flats will be developed by the Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority, he said. He mentioned that out of the 275 landowners affected by the project, 200 are shopkeepers who will be allotted shops within the new corridor. They will also receive compensation based on the extent of land and shop area affected. MVDA Vice-Chairman Shyam Bahadur Singh stated that between 325 and 350 flats, both 1 BHK and 2 BHK, will be built on four expansive land parcels under the Rukmani Vihar Residential Scheme. If required, additional flats will be constructed by marking out adjoining land. Additionally, 3.5 acres of land has been earmarked at Sunrakh Bangar for residential purposes. Singh noted that plots at Rukmani Vihar Group Housing Scheme will be divided into four size categories: 3924.91 square metres, 2844 square metres, 1800 square metres, and 1504 square metres. Meanwhile, Rajat Goswami, former vice-president of the now-defunct managing committee of the Banke Bihari temple, claimed that the district administration has not shared any such rehabilitation plan with them. We are not in a position to react, he said. He added that the administration should take all stakeholders into confidence before making such plans public. On 15 May, the Supreme Court approved the state governments project to develop the Banke Bihari Corridor for the benefit of devotees. The apex court also allowed the government to utilise temple funds to purchase five acres of land for the corridor. Subsequently, on 27 May, the state government established a Trust to manage the Banke Bihari temple and oversee the development of the proposed corridor.
Bihar Elections 2025: Who Gains, Who Loses If AAP Contests On All 243 Seats?
Experts say AAPs Delhi model may appeal to urban voters, but regional parties like RJD and JDU continue to hold strong, deep-rooted influence in rural Bihar
Beating the heat? Indias fight against heatwaves is on but without a long-term plan
India braces for intense heatwaves. States implement measures to protect citizens. Hospital preparedness is a major concern. Uttar Pradesh orders clinics to provide water and AC wards. Odisha mandates AC rooms in hospitals. Rajasthan adopts a color-coded alert system. Karnataka reschedules office hours. Bihar revises work schedules for laborers. Experts warn short-term measures are not enough.
